Comparison of oral and intravenous paracetamol plasma levels when given as premedication for perioperative analgesia

INTERVENTION: Trade Name: Perfalgan Product Name: perfalgan Pharmaceutical Form: Intravenous infusion Trade Name: paracetamol Product Name: Paracetamol Pharmaceutical Form: Tablet CONDITION: Peri‐operative analgesia PRIMARY OUTCOME: Main Objective: Does paracetamol given into a vein give better pain relief during surgery than oral tablets when given to patients just before; surgery? Primary end point(s): Paracetamol plasma levels Secondary Objective: Does paracetamol taken as a tablet reach adequate levels when absorbed into the blood to provide good pain relief when; given just 1 or 2 hours before surgery? INCLUSION CRITERIA: 1) ASA I and II (Patients who are fit medically or only have mild systemic disease, for example treated high bloodpressure ‐ disease that does not limit daily activities) 2) Age group 16 – 75 years (to exclude children who can not give consent) 3) Specific operative list: Mr. P Robinson Ear, Nose & Throat surgery This patient group will benefit from the type of pain relief effect that paracetamol has. Are the trial subjects under 18? no Number of subjects for this age range: F.1.2 Adults (18‐64 years) yes F.1.2.1 Number of subjects for this age range F.1.3 Elderly (>=65 years) yes F.1.3.1 Number of subjects for this age range